COMMON PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE SYSTEMS

The brake system is an essential part of an automobile's safety features. Regular maintenance and check of car brakes is very important in order to ensure your safety on road. There are a number of problems that you might be faced with on your car's brake system. Let's talk about some of the most common issues.

Brake systems have a number of components including the pedal assembly, brake master cylinder, brake lines, hoses, calipers, wheel cylinders, pads, shoes, rotors, drums and fluid.

Brake pads and shoes naturally wear as they are used. Pads and shoes are made out of a number of different materials, with the most common ones being a semi-metallic or ceramic blend of friction materials. As they wear the pads and shoes become thinner until there is no more material left to use.

Most newer cars and trucks have what are called wear indicators or brake sensors to let you know when the brake pads need replacing. Usually a little metal tab that rubs on the brake rotor as it turns. This tab makes a squeaking noise telling you your brakes are getting thin. Vehicles with sensors inform you with some sort of indicator on the dash board.

If brakes are not serviced when the indicators or sensors tell you that it's time, damage to the brake rotors and drums will occur costing you a lot more for repairs. Generally brake drums and rotors can be machined smooth and straight when the brake service is performed. We like to replace brake rotors with new pads during a brake service to avoid future pulsation problems and vibration. Some rotors on certain cars can only be replaced and not resurfaced.

If you feel a vibration or pulsation when you put your foot on the brakes, your rotors are probably warped and need to be resurfaced or replaced during your next brake service. Fluid leaks in your brake system are very dangerous and can lead to brake system failure. If you detect a brake fluid leak anywhere in the system, make an appointment with us right away to have it inspected and repaired. Brake master cylinder, lines, hoses, calipers and wheel cylinders can form leaks.

Brake fluid should be changed every 2 years per most manufacturer maintenance recommendations. Brake fluid captures moisture. Moisture in brake system boils when under pressure, which a brake system is. The combination of the pressure, boiling and corrosion from the moisture damages the brake system and can make your brakes unsafe if the fluid is not changed every 2 years. Schedule your brake fluid flush now and keep your car safe.